Got a 301 Firebird...

[Mav]

Got a 1981 301 Formula Firebird. It’s all original with 85k miles. Excellent condition. I Don’t like the performance. It runs like a 4 cylinder. Should I improve the 301 or just get a better engine?

 

[Classics Fan]

Got a 1981 301 Formula Firebird. It’s all original with 85k miles. Excellent condition. I Don’t like the performance. It runs like a 4 cylinder. Should I improve the 301 or just get a better engine?

I personally prefer originality whenever possible and practical. I don’t know anything about the 301. That’s small displacement in an era of choking smog controls. There’s nothing wrong with small displacement unless you’re looking for big-block torque. If the original engine is sound and healthy start by giving it a good tune-up, set timing to spec, replace plugs and wires, and verify vacuum lines are run correctly and there aren’t any vacuum leaks. From there you could venture into removing smog controls but check you state laws for your age vehicle first. A better free-flowing exhaust could help as well. Just my $.02.

 

[melsg5]

I agree with Classic Fan plus the 301 is an oddball engine, normal Pontiac high performance intake manifolds as an example do not fit.

 

[Mav]

View attachment 5225

I personally prefer originality whenever possible and practical. I don’t know anything about the 301. That’s small displacement in an era of choking smog controls. There’s nothing wrong with small displacement unless you’re looking for big-block torque. If the original engine is sound and healthy start by giving it a good tune-up, set timing to spec, replace plugs and wires, and verify vacuum lines are run correctly and there aren’t any vacuum leaks. From there you could venture into removing smog controls but check you state laws for your age vehicle first. A better free-flowing exhaust could help as well. Just my $.02.

I personally prefer originality whenever possible and practical. I don’t know anything about the 301. That’s small displacement in an era of choking smog controls. There’s nothing wrong with small displacement unless you’re looking for big-block torque. If the original engine is sound and healthy start by giving it a good tune-up, set timing to spec, replace plugs and wires, and verify vacuum lines are run correctly and there aren’t any vacuum leaks. From there you could venture into removing smog controls but check you state laws for your age vehicle first. A better free-flowing exhaust could help as well. Just my $.02.

thanks for the input. I’m going to look at the timing first. I’m surely not getting the full potential out of this motor. I owned the same car with the same engine 30 years ago and it was much more powerful. I bought it for car shows and won’t be driving too much though. I live in Florida and we don’t have smog tests. What could be removed with that? Thanks for your input

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[Mav]

I agree with Classic Fan plus the 301 is an oddball engine, normal Pontiac high performance intake manifolds as an example do not fit.

Someone told me I could get a better cam for the 301. Says the stock one is not for torque but for horsepower. I may consider that if I ever open the engine up but no plans soon.